Panathlon is a charity that provides sporting opportunities to over 10,000 disabled young people every year

Over 500 schools across the country take part in ‘mini Paralympic’ multi-sport competitions for secondary or primary school children, along with dedicated football, boccia and swimming programmes. Panathlon has in the last few years trained thousands of young leaders (1,590 in 2016) aged 14-19, who act as sports officials for Panathlon competitions. If you are new to Panathlon, please take a look at our latest video (at the bottom of the page) to get a flavour of what we are all about.

I’m the only pupil on the Panathlon team from my school, so it’s a great opportunity to have fun and meet other people.

Jamie Keat, aged 10, Hammersmith & Fulham

Panathlon is the best competition we enter because it’s so inclusive. I can bring children to this that I wouldn’t even consider taking to anything else, because everyone can compete here. It’s really important that all kids get the chance to take part in sport.

Kirsty Wiseman, teacher at Parkwood Hall, Kensington & Chelsea

It’s nice for our kids to interact, play sports and socialise with other deaf children. They often play sport with mainstream kids, but Panathlon gives them an opportunity to have their own day, which helps with their identity as a deaf child.

Panathlon is huge for us. There aren’t many opportunities for the whole school to get out together as a school, but Panathlon offers just that. It’s great for the kids. It’s brilliant for their confidence and self-esteem.

Louise Ross, Head of PE at Strathmore School, Richmond

I had two boys who said they’d thought of every way of getting out of doing this, but they volunteered for every race. One swum 10 metres unaided! He didn’t – and we didn’t – know he could do it.

Debbie Hancock, teacher at Reid Street Primary School, Darlington

The kids love it. They really enjoy Panathlon and, being in a mainstream school, they really appreciate getting these opportunities. It’s really important.

Liz Johnson, teacher at Riddlesdown School, Croydon

I don’t do any sport other than Panathlon. It is my world! I’m leaving school to go to college so this is my last competition and I’m really sad, but I have had a fantastic time over the last few years, especially the years that we won!

Charlotte Whale, aged 19, Ashford, Kent

For schools to come together like this is great, you don’t get that luxury very often. Social skills are some of the most important things we try and teach them at our school so to see them interact, celebrate when they win and shake hands at the end is spot on

Liam Welch, teacher at Billing Brook School, Northampton

You’ve got children here that don’t particularly gel very well and to walk away with the trophy as regional champions is a pretty awesome achievement. It’s a reward for teamwork.

Jane Chave, PE teacher at Priory School, Bury, part of the Suffolk team to win the East Regional Final.